YNIA Part 2

We had another AWESOME group of YNIA volunteers. This time, from Massachusetts! The first day, they went right to work painting and tiling! The downstairs tiling job looks incredible, all thanks to them. On the last two days, the boys got to do some pretty fun demolition work, taking out some old ceiling plaster and removing paneling...they sure got dusty and dirty. We got a lot done in one week and the groups enthusiasm was much appreciated. Thanks to all involved!

YNIA Visitors!

This week, we have some visitors! They drove all the way from Wisconsin (a place actually colder than Buffalo!). These volunteers are part of Young Neighbors in Action, a weeklong Catholic service learning experience that engages young people in the act of community service. This amazing group has already reglazed the windows, painted the sills, painted the foyer, repointed part of the foundation, caulked, finished a floor...the list goes on. And on. And on and on and on and on and...

Anyway, if you're looking to learn a bit more about housing rehab, want to troubleshoot a problem in your home, or are looking for a relaxed/fun environment, come and volunteer! In addition to workshops, the house is open for you to practice your repair skills almost everyday...show up and you'll be put right to work!

Appearance in Dwell Magazine!

Hot off the press! Whitney and I are in this month's issue of Dwell, a nationally distributed architecture/design magazine. Our bright, shining faces appear on page 28 along with a brief article about what we're doing, why we're doing it, and how we're making an impact. If you have time, check it out!

Nat'l holiday does not mean vacation day...

I worked on the fourth. Both at the restaurant where I serve as well as at the house. Needless to say, I did not have a relaxing holiday, so I decided that no matter what I was going to enjoy my July 5th.

All day was spent working on the house. An amazing crew of volunteers helped with building the newer, bigger earth oven alongside Matt and Maura, creators of the new baking operation Fancy and Delicious (F+D)! A big thanks to all who helped.

Afterwards though, we celebrated the installation of the new patio and the progress made in the garden. We fired up the earth oven, made pizzas, and watched a movie, projected onto the back of the house with a projection screen generously provided by Courtney! The movie was Wall.E. Very appropriate considering it's a movie all about recycling. It was a relaxing/fun end to the weekend! Look for more movie nights to come...movie suggestions are being taken now :)